Michael Creed (Cork North West, Fine Gael)
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386. To ask the Minister for Employment Affairs and Social Protection if she will outline in detail the reason a person (details supplied) in County Cork has been deemed ineligible for fuel allowance. [6508/23]

Heather Humphreys (Cavan-Monaghan, Fine Gael)
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I can confirm that my Department received an application for disability allowance (DA) from the person concerned on 13 July 2016. Based on the information provided to the department, the person concerned was assessed as having means of €312.20 per week. They were awarded from 13 July 2016, an increase for a qualified adult allowance (IQA) of €2.80 and free fuel allowance (FF) of €22.50.

The person concerned was notified in writing of this decision on 13 October 2016.

Fuel allowance (FF) is a means tested payment, payable to people who either live alone or only with certain other qualified people. It is a household payment and as such the entire household must satisfy the criteria.

Based on the information provided to the Department, the person concerned no longer qualifies for FF from 23 February 2021, as their household now includes people who are not in a qualifying category. A letter notifying the person concerned on this decision issued to him on 15 February 2021.

I can confirm that to date, the person concerned has not submitted a new application for FF or requested a review of the decision 15 February 2021.

I trust this clarifies the matter for the deputy.